A re-fit of equipment at Ards Leisure Centre has opened up new opportunities for wheelchair users to exercise in the gym.

In the last month, equipment in the centre’s Momentum gym has been replaced and among the brand new pieces for a ‘resistance workout’ are those where the standard seat moves to leave space suitable for different types and sizes of wheelchair, whether motorised or manual.

Kym Lennon, a representative of Disability Matters North Down and Ards, described the new equipment as “really great”.

“As well as being impressed by the facilities themselves, the fact that everyone meets with a fitness advisor who devises a fitness programme tailored to their very specific and individual needs is a great advantage and certainly helps to overcome any nervousness that anyone — wheelchair user or not — may have about going to a gym,” she said.

While the fitness equipment is suitable for wheelchair users to access without assistance, anyone with a disability may bring a carer with them to the leisure centre. Carers have free entry, but may not use the facilities themselves.